NYC Chef Bill Telepan Returns to Alma Mater as Commencement Speaker

Hyde Park, NY – Bill Telepan, chef/owner of New York
City's Telepan and Telepan Local, advised new graduates of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) about
the importance of giving back. The 1987 alumnus delivered the keynote address
during commencement ceremonies at the CIA on Friday, March 21.

Telepan lives his advice. While running
two successful restaurants, earning a Michelin star, and being named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award as Best Chef:
New York City, he has spent the last six years as executive chef for Wellness in the Schools. His work with that
organization led to him being asked to serve on First Lady Michelle Obama's
Chefs Move to School task force when that initiative launched in 2009.

"Through working hard, giving back, and respecting others, I
have been lucky enough to be here at this moment," Chef Telepan told
83 recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and
pastry
arts. "Go out there, work hard, and create your own luck. And if you
have a
chance to give back, do it."

This commencement was the first held in the new Marriott
Pavilion on the CIA's Hyde Park, NY campus.

Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image

Bill Telepan '87 was the keynote
speaker for the first commencement in the new Marriott Pavilion on The Culinary
Institute of America's Hyde Park, NY campus. During the March 21, 2014
ceremony, Chef Telepan told associate degree
graduates about the importance of "working hard, giving back, and respecting
others." (Photo credit: CIA/Phil
Mansfield)View hi-re image >

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with
majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well
as
certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies.
As the
world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership
in the
areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines
&
cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of
46,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz,
Anthony Bourdain, Roy
Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Johnny Iuzzini, Charlie
Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also
offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as
consulting
services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality
industry.
The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San
Antonio, TX; and
Singapore.